Quote :

"I think I'm gonna write a letter to Honda. It'll probably go something like this: "hey Honda.....Fuuuuuuuuuck Youuuuuuuuuu! and your goddamn 'sports' hybrids""

9/25/2010 7:27:27 PM

I could get interested in buying a 2nd set of wheels for S2000...OEM or aftermarket, 16" or 17", whatever.

just need to have a set of tires that last longer than my Star-Specs. I'm getting tired of buying tires every 2-3 months.

9/25/2010 9:53:32 PM

^I dunno why you have such a hard time with tire wear. lol. What year's your S2000 again (is it 2000?)

9/25/2010 10:29:26 PM

yeah, 2000.

first set, the alignment was somewhat off, and I didn't realize that it would completely eat a set of 200 treadwear tires in just a few weeks.

2nd set, I had it aligned, but it got a little off spec again, so the wear was again a little accelerated (though not as bad as the first set)

3rd set, I don't know...maybe just my right foot? Better again than the previous set, but still, I went through the rears in a hurry.

I tend to drive a lot, too (considering that a lot of my short trips and work commutes are on a motorcycle), with a >20 mile commute to work, trips between New Bern and Raleigh, and going to southern GA and back every month to pick up or drop off my daughter.

I used to get about 10k out of my BFG KDW2s and Yoko Advans on the supercharged S2k and Evo. I don't drive my current S2k any differently (although the Star-Specs are slightly softer).

9/25/2010 10:58:32 PM

^^^I went that route and got a set of AP2V1 wheels. The AP1s with are just used to f*** around now, mostly in the rain in large unfinished developments.

9/30/2010 10:33:02 PM

^ How much did you pay for them?

How loud are your S2000s? I don't remember my old supercharged AP1 being too bad, but it had some kind of aftermarket headliner in the top. It did have a Comptech exhaust and a little bit of supercharger whine, but below 130-150 mph or so, it wasn't deafening.

My current S2k is pretty loud. The top is pretty worn and has a few small (like 1-2") tears. I'm wondering how much of an improvement in liveability I'll get by replacing the top.

Can you guys carry on a conversation with your passenger at 80 mph without it having to be at a strained volume?

10/1/2010 10:56:09 AM

^absolutely. Not that loud inside mine. I mean it's loud but a conversation at 80mph with the top up and windows closed is easy.

10/1/2010 11:54:19 AM

battery died. walked home. ftgh

10/1/2010 12:33:27 PM

^^ yeah, you've driven mine, although maybe not at interstate speeds. do you remember it being significantly louder than yours?

i don't know if there's any difference between ap1/ap2 in this regard.

10/1/2010 1:03:14 PM

Yours had a really loud sound coming from just ahead of the base of the windshield. I couldn't figure out what that was.

[Edited on October 1, 2010 at 1:15 PM. Reason : I've also ridden in other AP1s that did not have that sound.]

10/1/2010 1:14:16 PM

FUCK

An F-350 dualie on Wade Ave 80 ft in front of me just tossed up a tiny pebble and cracked my windshield.

This is windshield #3. WTF!

10/1/2010 5:11:03 PM

I paid $700. The wheels were in OK condition (some scratches, paint chips, curb rash but not too bad) and the Sumitomo HTR Z III tires had ~80% front and ~60% rear tread depth.

10/1/2010 6:34:50 PM

^^Try a German car. Sorry to hear, did you say your insurance covered windshields? I keep thinking I need to change my coverage...

10/1/2010 6:45:09 PM

^German car is next. Yes I have full insurance coverage, but if I keep making claims I'm afraid my rates will eventually go up! Right now it's just a half inch crack, so hopefully I can get it sealed before it grows

10/1/2010 8:35:37 PM

pwned!

10/2/2010 9:32:59 AM

bump

8/29/2011 12:57:25 PM

^thanks Ken.


Anyone know of a brake ducting kit for the S2000? Or a brake cooling kit in general? This would only be for the front brakes...

[Edited on August 29, 2011 at 1:02 PM. Reason : l]

8/29/2011 1:01:46 PM

I've seen a few ghetto-ish rigs using the AP1 fake ducts, but nothing legit for an AP2

8/29/2011 1:25:19 PM

I could probably cut into the AP2 fake brake cooling ducts on the bumper but I'm pretty hesitant to slice up any part of the OEM bumper. Some metal rectangular ducts mounted on the bottom of the undertray would be more subtle. I think there are a bunch of DIYs for this on the S2000 forums....but haven't checked in a while.

8/29/2011 1:34:37 PM

are your brakes really fading that much?

8/29/2011 1:44:59 PM

Eh, I didn't think it was necessary but after chatting with Mike at Carbotech after my recent track event in Charlotte I'm having second thoughts. I told him that I was suffering from reduced stopping power when braking for turn 1 (125 mph down to 70) after 10-15 minutes into later day sessions. The pedal feel remained firm but further effort did not increase stopping power.

He said that was indicative of too much heat in the brakes (but said not the fluid as the pedal feel didn't get soft). He suggested brake cooling ducts to combat this and said it will help with longevity of all the braking components since they won't have to handle all that heat.

[Edited on August 29, 2011 at 1:55 PM. Reason : don't forget that front S2000 rotors are only 11.8]

8/29/2011 1:54:22 PM

BAM!!

9/21/2012 4:34:45 PM

I heard only fags drive these things

9/21/2012 4:42:54 PM

^

9/21/2012 7:07:41 PM

^^^^ have you tried applying the brakes harder for a shorter duration, in a more deliberate fashion? it not only compresses your turn entry timeline, but reduces fade. however, you want to maintain slow in, fast out.

[Edited on September 21, 2012 at 8:17 PM. Reason : with a front engine and relatively light car, I would think trail braking mostly unnecessary]

9/21/2012 8:16:51 PM

I'm fairly certain I'm not gradually applying brake pedal pressure. While I don't jerk it I get on the brakes pretty hard immediately and am usually out braking most other cars in my run groups. Trailbraking is without a doubt not necessary to rotate the S2000, though occasionally I do it unintentionally and hear the rear tires squealing a bit. The car rotates quite easily without it!

9/22/2012 1:15:40 AM

Quote :

"Honda's CEO continued with the announcement on a new sports car: "In addition to the NSX, the next-generation super sports model, Honda will launch a new open-top sports car with strong vehicles dynamics which will go on sale in Japan 2014," said Ito. "

4:1 odds that it's some gay hybrid shit. And FFS, what do they have against COUPES?

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/breaking-honda-confirms-new-civic-type.html

9/24/2012 8:49:46 AM

I wish they would just build one with a roof already.

9/24/2012 1:21:53 PM

The hell is "strong vehicles dynamics"

9/24/2012 1:27:20 PM

^^^^ Anyone driven one of the AP2's with stability/traction control, 06+ (I forget which one it is - stability or traction).

Some of you guys might remember my buddy totaled my AP1 and I have this awful mental image of my mug going into the dash, so I have a bad lasting memory. With that being said, I loved the car and would be down to get an AP2, especially it had a little nanny assistance. Does it make a big difference or is it just a pleasantry that isnt really noticeable?

9/24/2012 7:10:28 PM

They made one of the best flowing hardtops for the last one. If you want a coupe so bad bolt it on and remove the soft top. There isn't going to be any trunk space in a car this size anyways and the frame is pretty stiff for a budget sports car. The issue isn't the lack of a coupe its the lack of 2(4?) more cylinders...

9/24/2012 7:23:02 PM

^that's some pretty lame reasoning. Track officials aren't going to be any more lenient on an S2000's rollover protection just b/c it has a bolt-on hard top on.

Quote :

"^^^^ Anyone driven one of the AP2's with stability/traction control, 06+ (I forget which one it is - stability or traction). "

I own an '07 S2000. So it is stability/traction control equipped. It's stability and traction. If you're local to Raleigh we can go for a spin and I'll show you how idiot proof it is

OEM hardtops are $Texas right now too

[Edited on September 24, 2012 at 10:22 PM. Reason : k]

9/24/2012 10:21:18 PM

^ Ha, Im actually in Cincinnati so no luck there. Compared to an AP1, how does it differ? Id love to have it with the AP2 updates to slightly lessen oversteer and stability control, but at the price point Im at 06+, I begin to wonder whether I should be buying something else (but I did love it oh so much).

9/24/2012 11:03:06 PM

I haven't driven an AP1 on track or aggressively on the street so it's not easy for me to make a detailed comparison. I will say, however that the VSA (stability control) system is fairly aggressive. It doesn't allow much wheel spin at all and intervenes if the rear of the car is drifting much more than 10-15°

'06 and newer S2000s do cost a fair bit more than earlier models but they also hold their value quite nicely. Unless you rack up a lot of mileage it should retain much of it's worth. In the 3 1/2 years I've owned my car it has lost very little of it's value.

9/24/2012 11:09:49 PM

All i'm saying is put your money with your mouth is. I see S2k's with hardtops once every.....three weeks? How bad does everyone want a coupe again???????

I've never seen a Pontiac solstice coupe outside of the dealership (RIP).

9/25/2012 10:35:15 AM

^I've seen a few Solstice coupes, but yes overall they are quite rare!

Putting a hardtop (OEM or not) on my S2000 does nothing for my gripes.

-interior rattles
-rollover protection
-quieter interior (not comparable to a fixed roof coupe)
-increased interior room

Honestly if I could slap on a hardtop and then run at any track around the country I would do it. But that's not how it works.

9/25/2012 10:40:03 AM

The hardtop makes the interior substantially quieter. It's very noticeable.

You can have a bar easily fitted to provide more rollover protection than a fixed roof coupe. It will not alter your legroom if the soft top is removed.

The only rattle on my car ( ironically ) are the top latches. It's an 05 with 70k miles.

The interior room will never be large, go look at a fat50Z.




Just call it like it is. You want to keep your car as OEM as possible so you can sell it. In the mean time you will complain about it like you didnt see its flaws coming. You already dumped a few grand into it after driving it into your house. Whats another few grand depreciation making it like you want it?



[Edited on September 25, 2012 at 10:47 AM. Reason : .]

9/25/2012 10:46:09 AM

your argument is misplaced.

First, I bought the car knowing it was a convertible (dur). But I did not know that the stock roll hoops were not approved at most race tracks. In fact I wasn't aware it could be until my second track event.

Second, no roll bar installed in the S2000 will pass the broomstick test for me. I'm simply too tall and the soft top or hard top will not fit over an appropriately tall roll bar.

Driving it into my garage cost me $250, and I'm not sure of it's impact on the vehicle's resale value. Though I would assume not much if any. Again, how am I gonna throw money into the car to make it safer? I'm too tall...ain't happening.

9/25/2012 12:49:51 PM

Get a custom roll bar for those track days. one that you can quickly bolt/unbolt. If you are going to a track day, lower top, bolt in roll bar, and nissan vice versa.

9/25/2012 4:23:54 PM

or just get racing seats with a removable seat cushion

9/25/2012 5:52:48 PM

If you can fit in it to drive it you can have it made to clear the broomstick. Unless you have a torso like a snake.....

I believe the hardtop gives you more headroom. I would have to remove it to measure before and after to confirm. Talking an inch or so here if you're that close.


If you've ever taken your car far enough apart to see the stock roll hoops it would be no mystery why they are not allowed. It's a two point mounting system with zero triangulation. That being said they seem to fair halfway decent in rollovers. You will survive but your neck and skull will be compressed if you're over 5'6".

http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/813655-my-s2000-roll-over-accident/

[Edited on September 25, 2012 at 6:35 PM. Reason : .]

9/25/2012 6:25:33 PM

Yeah I've seen what happens to people over 6' tall in S2000 rollovers

With a helmet on I'm about 5" too tall to pass the broomstick test with the stock rollbars. The stock rollbars are only have about 2-3" clearance from the soft top so...

[Edited on September 25, 2012 at 10:32 PM. Reason : k]

9/25/2012 10:30:37 PM

^ so if you need to lose 5"...

1) get a rollbar that just barely clears your top (based on what you said, this should put you 2" above stock rollbars)
2) get aftermarket seats, bolted to the floor, with removable seat cushions. this will give you another ~2" drop
3) Slouch a little more when you drive
4) ...
5) Profit

[Edited on September 26, 2012 at 12:26 PM. Reason : ]

9/26/2012 12:24:35 PM

A whole lot easier to buy another car

9/26/2012 1:37:52 PM

Haha, what's that little ricer edition that came from the factory already looking gay?

I saw one today in Charlotte in this weird blue color.

9/26/2012 2:06:46 PM

^ CR - I think they all came in that color, too

(could be wrong - I've just only ever seen them in that color)

[Edited on September 26, 2012 at 2:10 PM. Reason : ]

9/26/2012 2:09:56 PM

^^While I think that model looks a little too "ricer-ish" the aerodynamic aids actually make a big difference on the track. The S2000 has HORRIBLE downforce characteristics and rear end lift can be a big problem on a race track above 100 mph.

^no they came in several colors

And why is it "little"? Exact same size as every other one...

[Edited on September 26, 2012 at 3:11 PM. Reason : k]

9/26/2012 3:10:55 PM

Hey Duke, I got a random question for you. Is the Z06 as much fun to run around in as the S2000? I know the 2 cars are not really comparable, but I am interested in your opinion, since you have owned both and you know I drove the shit out of my S2000 back when they were still rare and expensive to purchase! If I remember correctly, it was me that convinced you the S2000 was a fun and reasonably fast car to drive. Now everybody has an S2000, so I am trying to figure out what I will buy when it comes time for another toy.

11/2/2012 3:55:05 PM

^^^^^ Yeah, screw trying to do all that shit. Just sell it and buy yourself a DD and a dedicated track car.

^ The Zo6 will absolutely slaughter the S2000 in every measurement. It will out-corner and out-accelerate it by a mile. I'm pretty sure it'll out-brake it, and I suspect it even gets slightly better fuel economy, all with the ability to actually carry a useful amount of luggage and sounding like an only slightly subdued stock car.

On one hand, the Z06 is fun just because of its acceleration (both linear and radial) capabilities. It will smoke the 295-width tires from a standstill in 2nd gear effortlessly. It is actually possible to start off in 4th gear without touching the throttle, just by very deftly easing the clutch out. It will corner so hard that once, on a racetrack, my GoPro suction mount let go in the middle of a corner, and the camera flew straight out the driver's side window. C5 Z06s were cornering at >1.0g back when they were new, 10+ years ago, on the OEM rubber of the time. Who knows what they'd do with something like a set of Nitto NT-05 tires (let alone R-comps, which are a whole other ballgame).

The bad news is that it feels like a really powerful, 2' high truck of a sports car in routine driving. It's REALLY wide, the controls are heavy and somewhat numb, and it doesn't have that eager, light-on-its-feet feeling like an S2000 (or especially something like an Evo). It's kind of a lumbering beast until you really start wringing it out, and then it miraculously starts to feel like a good sports car...but this is only at racetrack pace. It very perceptibly rotates, tucks its nose into corners, and the controls start to actually communicate with you...but even with stability control, you would have to be a moron to drive like this on a public road, especially in a car with such extremely high limits.

In short, it's a car that is absolutely worth owning IF you intend to track it, just for that 0.1% of the time where you're driving it right on the edge. The rest of the time, on the street, it's appeal is really just the big horsepower and the "Corvette-ness", if you like the attention that it draws.

The S2000 has great control feel, and is just a great all-around day-to-day real-world sports car. Some of them are overpriced for what they are, but a decent AP1 can be had for a sensible price, where it's a great weekend toy for the money.

11/3/2012 10:06:52 AM

Well here I am, going on 2 months since Cary AutoPark Honda took photos of the tear on my soft top and sent them off to American Honda...and the dealership still doesn't know what to tell me. It's obviously being caused by the factory defect, which I thought they had addressed when they replaced the top the FIRST time back in fall of 2009

Never buy a fucking convertible from Honda, they don't know the first thing about properly engineering and building the folding top mechanism

12/18/2012 3:50:26 PM